Answers

Q:

How can God be a God of love but at the same time also be a God of judgment? It seems to me He must be one or the other—either a loving God or a God of judgment. I don't see how He can be both.

A:

Yes, this is hard to understand–but the Bible is clear: God loves us with a love that is far greater than human love–but He is also a God who judges sin and evil with perfect justice. Both are true.

Have you ever asked yourself what the world would be like if God were only a God of love, who never judged evil or tried to stop it? If He were only a God of love, then evil men could carry out their plans without fear, because they would never have to worry that God would judge them or try to stop them. Hitler and Stalin would be just as welcome in heaven as Mother Teresa.

Or have you ever asked yourself what the world would be like if God were only a God of judgment, who punished us every time we did wrong? If God were like that, none of us would ever have a chance, for we sin every day. We would have no hope of a happy life right now, or of heaven either. But God is not like that! The Bible says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8).

If you are a parent, you love your children–but at times you know you also need to discipline them. In a far greater way, God loves us–but He also disciplines us when we need it. If you have never done so, turn to Christ and commit your life to Him. He is the proof that God loves us–for He took the judgment we deserve.